The language of medicines

As part of Be Medicinewise Week, NPS MedicineWise is encouraging pharmacists to help their patients get to know the language of medicines

Be Medicinewise Week will take place from August 19-25.

This will be the ninth annual Be Medicinewise Week raising awareness amongst the public of the importance of being “medicinewise”.

The focus this year is “getting to know the language of medicines,”—communicating about medicines, knowing which information is important and what are the right questions to ask.

“Pharmacists have always been at the forefront of Be Medicinewise Week,” said Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris, pharmacist and CEO of NPS MedicineWise.

“At the frontline of health care, pharmacists play a key role in helping people understand their medicines and how to get the most out of them.

“We are encouraging people to come to talk to pharmacists during Be Medicinewise Week, so be prepared for questions on how to get the most out of medicines, safely,” says Mr Morris.

This year around 285 pharmacists have pre-ordered printed campaign kits which are also still available for download from the campaign website. Social media assets are also available to promote on online networks.

There are many ways pharmacists can take an active role in the week.

Download Be Medicinewise Week posters, Medicines Lists (available in English and 10 additional languages) and videos, and display them in your pharmacy

Encourage customers to know all the medicines they are taking and why they are taking them, understand the instructions on how to take their medicines, and ask any questions they have about their medicines.

The Be Medicinewise Week website contains more information on how to take part in this year’s Be Medicinewise Week and get to know the language of medicines.

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